One of the most fascinating aspects of the Bible is its use of prophecy—statements about the future written centuries before the events they describe. For many, prophecy has been an area of doubt or confusion. Are these predictions vague? Were they self-fulfilled? Or could they actually be evidence of a God who exists beyond time itself? In his extraordinary book, The Science Behind the Story of Jesus, John Zachary tackles these questions head-on with a level of depth and clarity rarely seen.
Drawing on decades of research and his background in mathematics and aerospace engineering, Zachary presents a case for prophecy that is both scientifically rigorous and spiritually inspiring. His central focus is on time-based predictive texts—prophecies that don’t just describe events, but pinpoint exact dates centuries in advance. By using astronomical data, historical records, and logical analysis, he shows how these predictions hold up under modern scrutiny.
One of the strongest examples comes from the book of Daniel. Zachary demonstrates how Daniel’s prophecy about the decree to rebuild Jerusalem aligns with the scientific date calculations of ancient decrees, supported by Egyptian and Julian calendars. Even more astonishing is his analysis of the destruction of Herod’s Temple in AD 70. Using NASA lunar data and Jewish historical accounts, he shows how this tragic event occurred exactly on the prophetic timeline. The precision of these findings—down to the 14,000th day—makes it clear that we’re not looking at coincidence, but at divine orchestration.
Zachary doesn’t stop at Daniel. He explores how the Old Testament feasts serve as prophetic markers for New Testament events. The crucifixion of Jesus, His resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit all fall perfectly on feast days outlined centuries earlier in Scripture. This connection between the Testaments not only affirms the reliability of the Bible but also underscores the beauty of God’s plan woven throughout history.
For skeptics, Zachary provides thoughtful engagement. He addresses objections such as self-fulfilled prophecy and supposed contradictions in the Gospel accounts. His explanation of the differences between Pharisaical and Sadducean calendars, for example, clears up long-standing confusion about the timeline of Jesus’s crucifixion. Instead of contradictions, readers discover a deeper layer of accuracy that only strengthens confidence in the biblical narrative.
What makes The Science Behind the Story of Jesus so powerful is its accessibility. Zachary writes with both scholars and everyday readers in mind. Each chapter includes executive summaries for those who want the big picture, while appendices offer in-depth data for those who love detail. His unique addition of a fictional thread, “Tourists from the Future,” adds a creative dimension, allowing readers to imagine what it would be like to witness these prophetic events firsthand.
In the end, Zachary’s message is clear: prophecy is not myth or vague symbolism—it is scientific evidence of a God who transcends time and space. His research shows that faith does not mean abandoning reason. On the contrary, faith is reinforced by evidence that demands thoughtful consideration.
Closing Thought: The Science Behind the Story of Jesus is more than an academic study—it’s a revelation. For anyone who has ever doubted the reliability of biblical prophecy, this book offers clarity, confidence, and conviction. It proves that the God of Scripture not only spoke through His prophets but left behind undeniable evidence for generations to discover.
